Guidance on Coming to court

The following do's and don'ts may be of assistance when preparing to attend at court.

Do

Arrive in good time for your case, you may require to pass through metal detectors/security when entering the building.

Dress in a manner which suits the serious nature of the business being conducted in court.

Follow carefully any guidance or instructions given to you by court officials be polite and courteous to the judge / sheriff, to other court users and to court officials.

Switch off your mobile phone before entering the courtroom and keep it switched off throughout the proceedings.

Do not

Attend the court whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

make audio or video recordings or take photographs in the courtroom, unless you have the court’s authority to do so.

eat or drink in the courtroom. bring dogs or any other pets, other than guide dogs or hearing dogs, into the court building.

Please note

Court users should also note that children under the age of 14 (other than infants in arms) are not normally allowed in the courtroom unless they are giving evidence or have the court’s prior approval to attend for educational purposes.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service does not provide childcare facilities.

Should the court consider your behaviour to be inappropriate or disrespectful you could find yourself being held in contempt of court. This could result in you being fined or sent to prison.